Pool funding losing some security

CITY HALL — Plans for a new $7.5-million public pool at Pacific Park will undergo another round of review Tuesday, but as the economy continues south, the project’s funding is becoming less secure.

A city report identified an available $7.47 million for the project, but $1.4 million of that is tied up in the state budget impasse. Another $1.5 million was identified as part of the upcoming federal block grant funding process, but as the recession continues to sap local resources, the mood over how that “predesignated” money should be spent is shifting.

Nonprofit administrators have grumbled in development meetings that had Councilman Ara Najarian — the pool’s staunchest supporter — not staked such a public claim on the $1.5 million, they would have gone for a larger share of the $2.43 million in total available funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Najarian has, at nearly every turn in the project’s consideration, vouched for the allotment, although it will be up to the full council to decide how that money is spent.

The Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee on Thursday will review applications for the capital improvement grants before sending its funding recommendations to the City Council.

Despite Najarian’s previous assertions that he would look “very unfavorably” on any attempt to mess with the money, committee Chairman Zareh Amirian has said he intends to question parks officials on the merits of the project.

Even if $1.5 million reaches the council intact, there will be at least one foe waiting.

“It’s not very fair for [Najarian] to be pushing his agenda,” Councilman Dave Weaver said. “I won’t support it.”

From the outset, Weaver has been wary of the high dollar amount at a time when the city is facing large budget gaps. He has argued the money could be used to supplement other projects that are drawing on city funds.

Federal rules prevent officials from diverting block grants directly to the city’s general fund.

“There’s a number of nonprofits that need help, and we need help in the general fund,” Weaver said. “It’s a luxury item. It’s a gravy item.”